Continued high temperatures forecast to scorch Taiwan

TAIPEI -- A heat wave in Taiwan will likely continue into next week, with temperatures in Taipei forecast to reach around 37 degrees Celsius, the island's weather agency said Wednesday.

Temperatures as high as 38 degrees Celsius are forecast for downtown Taipei on Saturday, according to the agency.

This is the first time in the agency's history that it has forecast continued hot weather for the island, a statement posted on the agency's website said. The statement added that temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius were rarely forecast in the past, because the chances for such weather conditions were very slim.

According to the statement, the lasting heat is due to an approaching high pressure system from the Pacific Ocean.